Low-Cost Pet Microchip Clinic: Peace of Mind for the half-price

In 2009, a local dog owner was reunited with her poodle “Princess” because the pet’s microchip was traced to her Long Beach address. The dog had been missing for over four years.

A microchip is one of the best chances for owners to be reunited with their pet should the animal get lost. This weekend, Long Beach pet owners will have a chance to secure their own happy ending at the Low-Cost Microchip Clinic for cats and dogs.

On Saturday, May 1, the Friends of Long Beach Animals are partnering with the City to provide animal owners with the opportunity to microchip their cats and dogs for only $10 (including registration).

The Low-Cost Microchip Clinic for cats and dogs will take place at the Center for Families and Youth, Houghten Park, 6301 Myrtle Avenue. To receive the discount price on a microchip, owners should bring their pet to the clinic between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Another reason to get your pet microchipped is that, in Long Beach, every animal is scanned three times when impounded in an effort to return animals to their owners.

“A microchip is the best gift you can give your animal this year”, says John Keisler, Manager of Animal Care Services, “every day, we are able to reunite pets with their owners because they have microchips, which last a lifetime.”

As part of the National Be Kind to Animals Week, this special offer for low-cost pet microchips is made possible by a generous donation of the Friends of Long Beach Animals. The local nonprofit is paying half of the cost of the microchip for this one day only.

Residents who have not done so, may also get their pets licensed. Costs for the Low-Cost Microchip Clinic:

$10 AVID Microchip (includes registration)

$20 dog licenses (for altered animals)

$90 dog licenses (for unaltered animals)

The American Humane Association created Be Kind to Animals Week in 1915 to encourage compassion toward animals. Every year, animal shelters throughout the country hold special events during this time-honored week to raise awareness about animals in our homes and communities and to celebrate the unique bond between humans and animals. For information about Animal Care Services, call 570-PETS (7387) or visit www.longbeach.gov/acs.